When you enter the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issues an electronic Form I-94, also known as your arrival or departure record. This document controls two key things: how long you can stay in the United States and what visa category you were admitted under.

A correct I-94 is essential. It affects your ability to work, study, extend your stay, or travel. Unfortunately, errors do occur. Some people find that no I-94 was generated after arrival. Others see incorrect personal details, an incorrect admit-until date, or the wrong visa category entirely.

The positive news is that most I-94 mistakes can be corrected. The key is to identify the issue quickly and take the correct steps. This article explains what to do if you have a missing I-94, incorrect information on your record, or an I-94 that does not match your intended visa status.

1. Why the I-94 Matters

Your visa stamp allows you to request entry to the United States, but your I-94 controls your period of lawful stay. This means that:

• If the I-94 shows the wrong status, you are considered to be in that status, not the status shown on your visa.
• If the I-94 expiration date is shorter than expected, you must leave or extend before that date.
• If no I-94 was created, there is no official record showing that you were admitted properly.

Employers, schools, attorneys, and government agencies all depend on an accurate I-94 to confirm immigration status.

2. How to Check Your I-94 After Entry

You should check your I-94 within 24 hours of arrival by visiting:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov

Download and review:

• Your most recent I-94
• Your travel history
• The compliance letter (optional)

Verify the following:

• Name spelling
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Visa category such as H-1B, L-2S, F-1, B-2, etc.
• Admit until date

It is your responsibility to confirm that the I-94 is correct.

3. Scenario One: No I-94 Was Issued After Arrival

Sometimes CBP does not generate an I-94 due to a system error, scanning issue, or data mismatch. This is more common after land border entries but can happen at airports as well.

Step 1: Recheck the Website

Try variations of your name or passport number. If you recently renewed your passport, try both numbers.

Step 2: Look for an Entry Stamp

If there is no entry stamp in your passport, you may not have been processed correctly at the port of entry.

Step 3: Contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Office

Deferred Inspection offices are responsible for fixing missing or incorrect I-94s. You should provide:

• Your passport
• Your visa
• Boarding pass or flight confirmation
• Any additional entry documents

CBP can usually create the missing I-94 quickly. You should not wait because a missing I-94 may cause complications with work authorization, school registration, or extensions of status.

4. Scenario Two: Incorrect Personal Information on the I-94

Common mistakes include:

• Misspelled name
• Wrong passport number
• Incorrect date of birth

These errors can cause problems with I-9 verification, Social Security applications, and future immigration filings.

Fixing the Issue

CBP Deferred Inspection can correct factual errors at no cost. Bring your passport and any other documents that clearly show the correct information.

5. Scenario Three: The I-94 Has the Wrong Visa Category

This is one of the most serious I-94 errors because it affects your legal status. Examples include:

• An H-1B worker admitted as a B-2 visitor
• An F-1 student admitted as a B-2
• An L-2 spouse admitted without the L-2S designation
• A dependent admitted in the wrong classification

If the visa category is incorrect, you may lose work authorization, lose student status, or become unable to file extensions. You may also begin accruing unlawful presence.

Step 1: Contact CBP Deferred Inspection Immediately

Provide:

• Passport
• Visa stamp
• Approval notice, such as an I-797
• Marriage certificate for dependents
• Proof of employment if applicable

If your documents clearly support the correct visa category, CBP will usually fix the error.

Step 2: If CBP Does Not Correct the Error

You may need to file:

• A change of status request with USCIS
• An extension of status request with USCIS
• Or might need to depart the US and enter again

CBP will not correct errors caused by traveler misunderstanding, incorrect documents presented at the border, or cases where the officer intentionally admitted you in a different category.

6. Scenario Four: Incorrect Admit-Until Date

Examples include:

• Shorter stay than shown on the approval notice
• Missing the extra 10 days allowed for certain visa categories
• An F-1 student admitted with a date instead of D slash S
• An L-2S spouse admitted for less time than the L-1 principal employee

Fixing the Issue

CBP can correct admit-until date errors when the I-797 or supporting evidence clearly shows the correct expiration. If they determine that the officer admitted you intentionally for a shorter period, USCIS may need to correct it instead.

7. What CBP Will Usually Correct

CBP generally corrects:

• Missing I-94 records
• Misspellings or incorrect biographical data
• Incorrect passport number
• Wrong visa category when documents clearly show eligibility
• Incorrect expiration dates based on a valid approval notice

CBP usually will not correct:

• Errors caused by traveler misunderstanding
• Overstay or status violation issues
• Requests to change status that should go to USCIS

8. How to Contact a Deferred Inspection Office

Search online for the CBP Deferred Inspection Site List. Offices may accept walk ins, phone calls, or email requests. You will typically need to provide:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Date and port of entry
• A clear explanation of the issue
• Copies of your passport, visa, and approvals

Be concise and attach only the documents relevant to the correction.

9. If CBP Cannot or Will Not Fix the I-94

You may need to consider other options.

Option 1: File an Extension or Change of Status with USCIS
This is common when the issue involves complex visa categories or when CBP determines it cannot modify the record.

Option 2: Leave the United States and Reenter
This sometimes resolves the issue but carries risks. Always consult an attorney before choosing this option.

Option 3: Seek Legal Advice
If the error affects your ability to work or maintain status, legal guidance is strongly recommended.

10. How to Avoid Future I-94 Problems

• Always check your I-94 within 24 hours of every entry.
• Keep boarding passes and travel confirmations.
• Save a PDF or screenshot of each I-94.
• Verify that family members were admitted in the correct status.
• Carry your original I-797 approval notice when entering the United States.

Conclusion

A missing or incorrect I-94 is stressful, but most issues can be fixed quickly when addressed right away. Because the I-94 controls your immigration status in the United States, any error related to your visa class or expiration date should be taken seriously. By checking your record promptly after each entry and contacting CBP or USCIS as needed, you can avoid significant complications. If the situation is complex or CBP is unable to assist, an immigration attorney can help ensure your status remains valid and protected.

By: Felipe Jimenez

Felipe Jimenez is an Associate Attorney at Reddy Neumann Brown PC. He works in the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Department where he assists clients through all phases of the non-immigrant visa process.

Reddy Neumann Brown PC has been serving the business community for over 20 years and is Houston’s largest immigration law firm focused solely on US. Employment-based immigration. We work with both employers and their employees, helping them navigate the immigration process quickly and cost-effectively.